Lee Budish's weekly garden update for the week of January 21, 2008. A special thank you to all of the families and dear friends who came to our Apple Tree Planting and Garden Work day this past Saturday, January 19th to kick off for our Giving Tree Week. It was a spectacular day, with a hint of Spring in the air. It was an emotional day as the dead trees were removed and the new trees were planted. A couple of kids realized the significance by stating that planting an "apple tree means starting a new life." How wonderful is that! Another, hands-on life lesson from the garden at such an early age. The orchard, roses and butterfly trees were pruned. The debris picked up. It is so easy to understand why the garden always seems to be in a magical state-- because it is cared for and loved by people like you! Please check the web site for the next garden work day, which is the first Saturday of each month. I promise, that the children who witnessed and helped with the planting of the trees will always remember the day. I know I will. Thank you, all! XXOOO

TO DO LIST:

1. Pick up and compost the rotten persimmons.
 
2. We need some worm food. Does anyone want to bring in a blender and show the kids how to make a worm shake or a worm salad? Just your kitchen compost; please no citrus. They hate citrus! And, they love avocado!
 
3. More worm stuff. Attached is a fun questionnaire that works really well with a buddy class or by itself. Make a copy and have the kids find a worm in the bin to fill out the form. Worm books in the library.

4. Weed out succulent area under the persimmons tree.

5. Pull weeds near citrus trees. If in doubt on what it is, do not pull; do so only if you are 100% sure.

6. In the K area you will see farm animals made of terracotta. We need to weed that area and then amend with soil. Please take soil from the new pile near the artichokes; have the kids fill wheelbarrows maybe 4. K area needs massive weed pulling. We need to clear out and create a sensory garden there.

7. I expect more wood chips this week. We need to place on pathway between garden beds and citrus to keep those weeds down.

8. The weeds near the apple tree nearest the shed are out of CONTROL. Please tackle.

9. Keep searching for those snails and slugs in dark places. Promise: They are there!
In the coming weeks, we will start greenhouse seeds. Yippee!
Problem: The darn lock. A new bike lock is in place with the same combination. I am not posting on the web. Send me an email if you forgot.

Most fun thing, and you can try at your place: We have a new tool cleaning bin with fresh sand and new brushes so the kids can clean the tools after their done. They can clean tools for hours! They love the sand.

For the more adventurous garden parent: We just received lots of yummy garden curriculum books compliments of Smith and Hawken and the National Gardening Association. Please feel free to borrow and find a fun lesson geared to your own special interests. The teachers have access to these books and you can coordinate with them. I.e "Math in the Garden"... If you need me, have a question, my cell is 342-1870. Thank you all!
 
Check out the garden bed signs by Ms. Morey's and Ms. Rees' class bed. Great job teachers and parents! Any ideas for your class bed?

Posted by Linda Dunne on January 22